Philippines, 02 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


NBA Daily: 2023-2024 Season Preview – San Antonio Spurs


PhilBoxing.com




SAN ANTONIO SPURS

2022-2023 Season Win-Loss Record:

22-60

Depth Chart:

PG – Jeremy Sochan, Trey Jones, Devonte Graham, Blake Wesley
SG – Devin Vassell, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie
SF – Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott, Cedi Osman
PF – Victor Wembanyama, Sandro Mamukelashvili
CE – Zach Collins, Charles Bassey, Dominic Barlow

Injury Updates:

No significant injuries.

Head Coach:

Gregg Popovich

Headliners:

The Victor Wembanyama era has officially begun. All eyes are set on arguably the best and most hyped prospect since LeBron James was drafted over 20 years ago, and some may even say ever. At just a shade under 7’4” with guard-like abilities, the lanky phenom has dramatically put the San Antonio Spurs on every NBA fan’s radar. He is the franchise’s third first overall draft pick. The other two, David Robinson and Tim Duncan, who each won the Rookie-of-the-Year honors, are already enshrined in Naismith Basketball of Hall of Fame. Barring any career-threatening injuries that may derail his path to greatness, the 19-year-old Frenchman is bound to follow suit as ROY and later on join them, alongside other fellow Spurs legends Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, George Gervin, and current head coach Gregg Popovich in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Spurs were dead last in the Western Conference last season with a win-loss record of 22-60. The only worse team in the entire league were the Detroit Pistons at just 17 wins against 65 losses. Gregg Popovich’s wards weren’t only one of the worst teams offensively last season, but they were also the worst on the defensive end, as well. One may argue that it was all by design, as the team’s primary focus then was to develop and improve their youngsters led by then rookies Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley, while also improving their chances at snatching Wembanyama. Winning wasn’t actually part of the plan. That whole season was somewhat of a glorified practice session.

This time around, though, the pieces are already in place, starting with literally and figuratively the biggest piece in Wembanyama. If his impressive showing in the pre-season games is any indication, the Spurs are in it for a major upgrade as the season unfolds. His length, athleticism, agility, and instincts will instantly make the Spurs difficult to score on when he’s on the floor. On the other hand, his speed, unselfishness, basketball IQ, shooting ability, and sheer size will make him match-up nightmare for any team on the offensive end on any given night.

With Jeremy Sochan (6’8”) expected to man the point as a starter alongside Devin Vassell (6’5”), Keldon Johnson (6’5”), Victor Wembanyama (7’3”), and Zach Collins (6’11”), the Spurs will parade a starting lineup that will have an average height of just under 6’9”. This team, with obvious size and length, can switch from one-through-five with ease on defense. Four of them will also have the ability to push the ball immediately after snatching the defensive rebound, which translates to easy baskets and correspondingly improve dramatically the team’s fast break points production.

Keldon Johnson was the team’s top scorer last season, but his efficiency suffered because the opposing defense had him as the primary target. Now, he’ll have much room to operate and shoot more uncontested shots at his natural position at small forward, with Wembanyama and Vassell taking majority of the defensive attention away from him. Speaking of Devin Vassell, if he stays healthy, he is going to be a force to be reckoned with in what could very well be his breakout season. Playing only 38 games last season, he averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals on a nightly basis. With a vastly advanced offensive repertoire, stronger build, better spacing and improved players around him, those numbers are only going to progress.

The Spurs shock troopers aren’t too shabby, either. Composed mainly of the other young guns and a slew of wily, yet still-so-young veterans, they are very much equipped to sustain the starters’ momentum when they are rested. Apart from being an insurance package on nights and instances that Sochan struggles at the point, Tre Jones is going to be the steady and calming presence, as well as able distributor for the bench gunners composed of Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, Cedi Osman, Doug Mcdermott, Devonte Graham, and Blake Wesley. The frontcourt will also be backed up by returning bigs Charles Bassey, Dominic Barlow, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

David Robinson brought about a 35-win improvement in his rookie season. Tim Duncan bested that in his first year with a 36-win turnaround. If Victor Wembanyama’s impact is anywhere near that of those two previous Spurs top overall draft picks, then San Antonio is at a very enviable place moving forward. Fifty wins and a playoff appearance in his rookie season aren’t too farfetched at all, even with the very stacked Western Conference. The question, however remains, will he stay healthy and be able to stay on the floor? Only time can tell.


Comments are highly appreciated. You may send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph and you may follow me @reylan_l on twitter.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Reylan Loberternos.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Dumadag holds chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
    By Ace Freeman, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
    , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Alekhine Nouri bags silver in blitz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Jun 2025
  • Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Can Julio Derail Jake Paul?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Dr. KO: Christian Mbilli Stops Maciej Sulecki in 1
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY SIGNS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT AMARI JONES
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • Paul vs. Chávez Jr. is a Go: All Fighters Make Weight in Anaheim Ahead of High-Stakes Bout
    , Sat, 28 Jun 2025
  • IIEE Chessmasters Overall Champion in the International Bundesliga with GM Joey Antonio
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 28 Jun 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.